SOARING demand is outstripping donations to a Keighley foodbank, it has been revealed.

Shocked Keighley West councillor Jan Smithies was told of the dire situation during a visit to Keighley Salvation Army.

She has praised the work being carried out by the charity, but is concerned about the foodbank’s capacity to cope with rising numbers in the future.

Coun Smithies said: “This year, the foodbank has spent £21,000 in addition to all the food donations it receives to meet the ever-growing demand for its services.

“This is £5,000 more than the cash donations that came in.

“The gap has been filled by an underspend from the previous year, but demand is outstripping food and cash donations.”

Coun Smithies said another concern is the foodbank, at the High Street church, would have to shut throughout next month as many volunteers will be away.

“About 120 Keighley families and single people are going to be missing their regular two meals a week and food parcels, plus all the other emergency help the Salvation Army gives to them,” said Coun Smithies.